So last time I wrote one of these posts I bemoaned the fact that it had been nearly a month. HA. It’s been more than two. So I should officially stop pretending to be surprised by these gaps in my reading and just get on with it. I always have a couple of down months each year, so I suppose that’s what this has been. Hopefully that means I’m starting of the new year back in the groove! Here’s what my reading has looked like:
Just shelved
I came across Coasting in my Audible Plus Catalogue and thought I’d give it a try. It had The Salt Path vibes, which appealed to me as I’m feeling cooped up indoors and though I’d never want to do it, reading about someone doing a long pilgrimage-type walking adventure is appealing. I enjoyed this, though it was less confident and had less authority than I expected. But then again, I ended up liking that, it was just different. This is the story of the first and youngest woman to run around the UK, and I enjoyed her honesty and that she was less rigid in her approach than I expected. Knitting Pearls was the second in a set of knitting anthologies, and I loved it. You can read my review of this and the previous volume by clicking on the book cover above. Hench has been on my radar for a while, but I randomly decided now was the time to actually read it. I’m glad I did. It’s a sort of super-hero story but told from the point of view of a villan’s henchwoman. I liked some of the ideas that were employed here – like hench employment fairs and a blending of the ideas of who is “good” and “evil.” Interesting, for sure.
Currently reading
I’ve had the first two of these on the go since like November. Luckily they’re both waiting patiently, but I do need to get these ones knocked out ASAP. They’re both good, but If You See Them is a bit heavy topic-wise and also a bit on the long side. I requested it from Netgalley when I thought it was audio, and it’s ebook. Which is fine, but I have little time to sit and physically read, so it’s harder for me to get through. The Wonderful World of James Herriott is delightful for anyone who has read (or watched) his work. This tells how the books dovetailed with his real life (it even shares his real name – which isn’t James Herriott), gives some background info and biographical details, so it’s a great one. I am having a little trouble with it not being set out chronologically, so that’s one thing I’m finding a bit difficult. I suspect this is an ND thing, so not necessarily an objective down side!
I am re-reading Enchantment because I liked the feel of it (no plot, just vibes for sure) but didn’t write the review right away, so now in order to write said review, I must re-visit it. Which is fine. It’s great for the energy level I’m currently experiencing. Bookworm I’ve had for literally years. I decided to give it a try on a whim (as I do), and it turns out that I am absolutely loving it. I recognize so many of the books she’s discussing, the reading experiences she has, the general outlook on the world, and she is my type of funny – dry and tongue-in-cheek but just so so good. Cannot wait to get back to it, tbh. I think she’s my new best friend.
Up next
Basically this is my way of saying I have NO idea at all what I’m going to read next. None. It could be anything. It could be a random book I’ve had on my shelves for years, it could be a new book I come across in the next few days – it could even be one of these books, as shocking as that idea is!
Okay, it’s your turn! What have you read in the past week (or, you know, couple of months)? What are you reading now? Have you read any of these, and if so (without spoilers pls), what did you think?
A weekly post that encourages bloggers to share what they have read in the past week, what they’re currently reading and books they’ve recently added to their TBRs. Originally started by Sheila at Book Journey, it is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.
I love James Herriot stories and have turned to them many times throughout my adulthood when I am feeling low.
I am so behind on my comments I just decided to pop by and say Happy New Year and I’m so glad we are blog friends. Have a wonderful week!
I love them as well! It’s that perfect blend of wholesome lifestyle, great characters, wonderful animal stories and humour that I just can’t resist. It makes me feel better every time I read it! I’m terrible at comments so please don’t worry, but thank you so much and I wish you a very Happy New Year (reading and otherwise) as well! I’m also very grateful to be blog friends with you, and I love our discussions about shared reading experiences! I hope you find some wonderful books this year, and that we find a few more to discuss!
I’ve been a fan of the James Herriot books (novels, I guess, though I’ve always thought of them as memoirs), so I’m happy to see this book about Herriot’s real life. And I’m very glad to see that my library has a few copies on order.
Coasting may be a little harder for me to locate. It’s surprising to me how long it sometimes takes to get books published elsewhere available here where I live in the US.
I discovered James Herriott thanks to my Nan who left some of his books in her spare room, so I read them while visiting. I adore him. From what I’ve read of this book so far, it seems like his books were a mix of fact and fiction. He changed names and some of the stories I think were a bit modified, but it sounds like a lot of the meat of them was actually from his life – so I like that! I found coasting on Audible for free as part of their plus catalogue (I’m in Canada, so not sure if it’s published here yet or not!) so if you have access to Audible, that’s one place you may be able to find it! Otherwise fingers crossed it will show up where you are soon! I hope you have a wonderful reading week!
I quite liked Meredith Alone. I hope you find something to pique your interest!
Wishing you a great reading week
Oh that is very encouraging to hear! I wasn’t sure about it as I hadn’t heard anyone talking about it. I just came across the audiobook on sale and figured it looked interesting! I’m more excited about it now! I hope you have a great reading week as well!
Happy New Year! I do like the sound of Hench and will have to check it out. It sounds different and interesting. Bookworm is one I would probably enjoy too. I am glad you are finally getting a chance to read it. Another one for my wish list! I think I would have a hard time choosing among your up next books. They all look good. I’ve heard book things about Vanishing Fleece and Meredith, Alone really appeals to me. I imagine that one will be an emotional read. I hope you have a great week and enjoy your reading!
Happy New Year to you as well! It was not the best book I’ve ever read in my life, but it was enjoyable and I liked reading a book that had such a neat idea and that felt… different. Bookworm is just a delight to anyone who has been a lifelong reader. Well, any reader, but if you also read some of the kids’ books she discusses it’s even better. I’ve started The Vanishing Fleece, but tbh I was not really listening as I got distracted, so I decided to circle back in a bit and start again! Ooops. I did read The Yarn Whisperer though, and I enjoyed it, so I want to give some of her other work a try! I have to admit that I’ve had mixed experiences with books that are compared to Meredith, Alone – but it does pique my interest, so I want to give it a go. I hope you also have a wonderful week and are enjoying your 2024 reading!